31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (universal lifter)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 5 251
00 2 030
31 5 255
31 5 253

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
When supporting components, make sure that:

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering/removing front axle support:
Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle.
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.
Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION WITH SPECIAL TOOL to prevent it from falling down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION .
DISCONNECT BATTERY .
Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .
Remove steering shaft from steering gear . See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SHAFT , 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STEERING SHAFT LOWER SECTION (N47 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE) or 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STEERING BOTTOM STEERING SHAFT (N20 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE) .
Remove STEERING ASSEMBLY COVER . (N47)

Release screws (1) and (2) on the wheel arch panel on the rear left and right.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Arch Panel Screws

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Release screws (1) and remove cover (2) left and right.

(Left side: Release connector from outside temperature sensor.)

Fig 2: Identifying Temperature Sensor Cover And Screw

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Unlock and disconnect plug connection (1) and (2) on the steering gear.

Unclip cable routing on the front axle support (3) and fold the cable back towards the engine support.

Installation note:

Replace faulty cable clips.

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Gear Plug Connection And Front Axle Support Cable Routing

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Unlock (3) holder (1).

Unfasten cable strap (2).

Installation note:

Replace faulty holders.

Fig 4: Locating Cable Strap Holder

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Release screws (1) on left and right.

Tightening torque 51 11 6AZ .

Unclip cable tie (2).

Installation note:

Replace faulty cable clips.

Fig 5: Identifying Cable Tie And Screw

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Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tools

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Align special tools 31 5 251, 31 5 253 and 31 5 255 to front axle support.

Support front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the front axle support must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.

Fig 7: Aligning Special Tools (31 5 251/31 5 253) And (31 5 255) To Front Axle Support

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Release bolts (1-3).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Lower front axle support by no more than 10 cm.

Installation note:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELI-COIL THREAD INSERTS .

Note installation locations of screws.

Bolt (1) M12x45
Screw (2) M12x165 (foam seal between front axle support and body!)
Screw (3) M14x60

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2, 3).

Fig 8: Front Axle Support Bolts Tightening/Loosening Sequence

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Installation note:

Renew foam seal (1).

Fig 9: Identifying Foam Seal

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